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Hello! My syrian hamster has never had a wire or mesh wheel, but he still has bumblefoot. How could this have happened? I have heard that Manuka honey 20+ works for bumblefoot, and I have tried that. What are some other home remedies? The vet isn't open, so I can't call for help. Please give ideas. Thanks in advance for your help!

I would call the vet when you can, when they are open as this will need prescribed medication. The problem with Manuka honey is it is sticky and the hamster will get things stuck to their feet and that could cause more issues. Making up a solution of thyme, which is a natural antiseptic, may help soothe it but it really does need vet treatment.

Bumblefoot is usually acquired by walking on some kind of mesh, whether it's a wheel or a shelf.

It is basically an infected abscess and will most likely need antibiotic treatment. It is caused by tiny cuts and scrapes which become infected. So if you don't have mesh shelves then look at what else in the cage could be causing it. Does the wheel have a rough surface? Ideally a wheel should have a smooth, solid surface. Some have joints or bumps on them. It is usually a wheel or a shelf as that is what is most walked on.